Customer Reviews

New Manufacturing Challenge: Techniques for Continuous Improvement

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anybody interested in reducing manufacturing cycle times should read this book (among others) to get some great examples of what can be done. It has many very specific examples and strong fundamental concepts. Very easy to read as well.

This is THE book for hands-on actual implementation of lean production techniques. This book answers the difficult problems accompaning implementation of the Toyota Production System. It is written in an easily understood straight-forward style. In my opinion this is the best book on boosting shopfloor efficiency. It does not shy away from discussing the problem areas. The author proves he has "been there and done it". An example is the Kanban system usually described in most books as a sytem where cards control the shop floor work flow. This book describes in detail various Kanban systems to handle the situations where the work flow is interrupted by processes requiring outside vendors or where an operation such as heat treating will slow the process. I rated this book five stars because it discusses real problems and solutions.

The book covers the basic concepts often associated with Toyota Production System. Suzaki takes it one step farther by adding his own creativity and experiences as a lean manufacturing consultant. This is one of the best and most inspirational books I have read on the subject of continuous improvements. ~ Rhett A. Cooper

I still go back to this now a classic to get the sense out of it. There are many techniques, ideas, but more importantly, it points the appreciation of people engaged in the process of continuous improvement as a core to drive us to move forward. Whatever way people may call this stuff, the person who discovered the principle of improvement cannot but to move on in his life for the betterment.

By the way, there is a 3.5hour video correponding to this book still available at SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers). Read the book, share the examples, confirm the principle, practice the heartbeat of improvement, and keep on moving forward.

Good luck!

As the author of this book, I hope it is ok to rate this with five stars - the book which have been sold more than 100,000 copies in the last 22 years.

I wrote this book, triggered by the comment which is found on page 226: (In) the book In Search of Excellence, a GM worker, laid off after sixteen years of service in the Pontiac Division, was quoted: "I guess I got laid off because I make poor quality cars. But in sixteeen years, not once I ever asked a suggestion as to how to do my job better. Not once."

More than two decades went by. Now, the Pontiac brand is gone, and GM is in bankruptcy/government bail-out.

I realize that the book may be seen old and nothing but commonsense. Even the title may appear unfit. Yet, isn't it still valid to think that there is wisdom to be captured at the shop floor, and "act" accordingly not losing the genuine spirit of the New Manufacturing Challenge.

Thank you, and best wishes!
Kiyoshi Suzaki

Suzaki's book, like the other introductory texts, describes the operations of factories practicing JIT/lean production, but not how to convert a traditional plant. It describes the destination but not the way to get there. This is appropriate for readers who are new to the subject, and Suzaki writes well enough to retain a manager's attention during air travel.

Should be required reading for anyone involved in manufacturing...from the shop floor to the CEO.

It's a concise and practical guide to World Class Manufacturing without all the faddish-hype surrounding the Toyota Production System.

This is an easy read book with some excellent ideas. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to improve something. The ideas can be used also in service and general life -- although primarily aimed at manufacturing.

We have this book but we would like to know if there is a video tape that compliments this book. If so, can you let me know where I can purchase this book. Rgds,

This book could have been written by taking exerps from other books on TPS and rearranging the pages. Same old, same old more same old.
We need an American's view on the practicle application of TPS not advice from some guy from Japan who doesn't have the faintest idea of American culture or people. So there!